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Braves going to temporary six-man rotation

Braves going to temporary six-man rotation

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Tommy Hanson

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ATLANTA -- For a 13-day stretch beginning Friday against the Dodgers, the Braves plan to employ a six-man rotation, manager Fredi Gonzalez said Monday.

The Braves are three games into a stretch of 20 straight days without an off-day and want to give their starters an extra day of rest as the stretch run approaches. Veteran right-handers Tim Hudson and Ben Sheets both have a long history of injuries and Tommy Hanson is returning from the 15-day disabled list to start Friday's game.

"We did it because there were some concerns about taking care of some of the guys and we only have two off-days in August," Gonzalez said. "We need to be able to go into September with all the cylinders hitting and everybody healthy. And this is one way to keep those guys healthy."

Hudson said he appreciates getting an extra day of rest at this time of the season.

"Obviously, when there's a time where there's not a lot of off-days, it gives us some rest," Hudson said. "Especially this time of year, this is the dog days of the season. Anytime you can get some rest is welcome for sure."

The Braves suddenly have a surplus of starting pitchers after moving right-hander Kris Medlen from the bullpen to the rotation July 30 to replace Jair Jurrjens, who was struggling and is now on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain. Hanson went on the disabled list the next day with a lower back strain. His spot was taken by left-hander Paul Maholm, who was acquired in a Trade Deadline deal with the Cubs.

After two turns through the expanded rotation, Gonzalez said the Braves would pick their best five starters and return to a five-man rotation for September. Gonzalez said seniority would not be a factor when deciding September's rotation.

While Medlen is the only member of the six-man rotation with significant bullpen experience, Gonzalez said that doesn't mean he will be the odd man out in September. He has pitched well in three starts -- going 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA -- and if he continues to do so, Gonzalez said he would keep him in the rotation.

"If Medlen's pitching the way he's pitching, for me, he stays in the rotation," Gonzalez said. "We'll figure it out."